Looking for a mind-blowing, captivating and enthralling summer festival? In Edinburgh, you’re spoilt for choice!
From music, theatre and dance, to art, books and film, however you like your summer entertainment, you’re sure to find it in Edinburgh.
Take a look at our roundup of what you can expect at Edinburgh’s seven summer festivals and clear a space in your diary – there’s lots going on!
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
experiencing some of the very best Jazz and Blues artists the world has to offer.
The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival is held over 10 days, with over 170 performances, and is today one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe.
Presenting a super-charged line-up of the very best Jazz and Blues artists that the world has to offer, this lively festival will delight regulars and first-timers alike. Some of the biggest names to have played include Van Morrison, Jools Holland, George Benson, Courtney Pine, Mud Morganfield, Mahotella Queens and Abdullah Ibrahim.
The festival takes place in venues across the city, from concert halls and nightclubs to theatres. The festival’s popular Mardi Gras takes place in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town where you can enjoy a mix of soul and brass band music.
The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival will take place from 10 to 19 July 2026.
Edinburgh International Festival
unique collaborations, world premieres and critically acclaimed productions.
Featuring world premieres, retellings of classic works and critically acclaimed productions in the fields of music, theatre, opera and dance, Edinburgh International Festival is a true celebration of the performing arts.
Since its establishment in 1947 when it sought to encourage the ‘flowering of the human spirit’ in post-war Scotland, it has continued to capture and showcase artistic creativity.
Running over 24 days and featuring 161 performances from over 2000 artists across 42 nations, the 2025 Festival explored the theme The Truth We Seek. The programme of live entertainment celebrated the practices, traditions and festivities that give us meaning and connect us.
The Edinburgh International Festival will return in August 2026.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
spotting up-and-coming artists, as well as well-known names.
Spanning theatre, dance, circus, physical theatre, comedy, music, musicals, opera, cabaret, variety, children’s shows, spoken word, exhibitions and events, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a cornucopia of entertainment.
The concept of the Fringe is simple – it is open to anyone with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them. 2025 saw 3,317 shows to choose from, in 262 venues across the city. It’s not difficult to see why this is the largest arts festival in the world.
The Fringe is also a hotspot for talented street-performers. Music, magic, circus and sideshows – you’ll see them all here.
Be part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 07 to 31 August 2026.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
music, dance, culture, and military traditions against a stunning background.
Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s impressive castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most special events in Edinburgh’s calendar.
From humble beginnings in 1950, it now attracts local and international audiences and a dazzling display of over 800 UK and international performers. Massed pipe bands, precision drilling, dancing and stunning imagery transform the Castle’s esplanade into a scene of wonder.
Celebrating their 75th anniversary show, the theme of the 2025 year programme was The Heros Who Made Us. Performers from USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, alongside homegrown acts from around the UK, celebrated the journey of connection through music, dance, culture, and military traditions.
See the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo between 07 and 29 August 2026.
Edinburgh Art Festival
meaningful art exhibitions, events and projects.
Founded in 2004, Edinburgh Art Festival is the UK’s largest annual festival of visual art. Each year it brings together the capital’s leading galleries and museums to present an ambitious and meaningful programme of exhibitions, events and projects.
Spanning the work of more than 200 artists, and taking place all across the city, the 2025 festival asked viewers to look again at Edinburgh through the eyes of the exhibiting artists.
Edinburgh Art Festival will return in August 2026.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
discovering both prize-winning and emerging writers.
Celebrating the written word, literature and ideas, Edinburgh International Book Festival includes over 500 events for adults and children. Authors, writers, campaigners and politicians from over 40 countries take to stages to share stories, ideas and views.
Repair was the Book Festival’s core theme for 2025, seeking to explore the many things around us which feel broken, and how we might seek to fix them – from the physical to the political, the emotional to the environmental, and beyond.
Edinburgh International Book Festival will return in August 2026.
Edinburgh International Film Festival
showcasing the most exciting and innovative new film talent.
Exploring new concepts and innovative approaches in cinema, the Edinburgh International Film Festival features short films, experimental cinema and documentary films across a range of genres.
The hand-picked selection programme sees film lovers treated to a variety of films from renowned film makers, as well as showcasing the work of a new generation of UK and international talent.
Film goers are able to experience new work from filmmakers from across the world, with screenings shown at a variety of venues in the city, including Cameo Cinema, Summerhall and Tollcross Central Hall. A number of performances are available as audio described and subtitled screenings.
Edinburgh International Film Festival returns in August 2026.
Please note, Edinburgh will be busier than usual during the Festivals. Plan ahead to avoid delays from planned road closures. We recommend walking or using public transport, such as Lothian Buses or Edinburgh Trams.
Looking for more things to see and do in Edinburgh this summer?
From theatre performances and workshops, to exhibitions and events, there’s lots going on in Edinburgh.
